Cover Image for Considering Non-Monogamy: What to Know About Boundaries, Attachment, and Communication
Cover Image for Considering Non-Monogamy: What to Know About Boundaries, Attachment, and Communication
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Helping individuals, partners, and families navigate intense lives and build relationships capable of weathering life’s storms.
Private Event

Considering Non-Monogamy: What to Know About Boundaries, Attachment, and Communication

Zoom
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About Event

You’ve wondered what it would look like to open your relationship in a healthy way, or what consensual non-monogamy means beyond what you’ve seen online—and now you’re feeling unsure, curious, or a little overwhelmed by the idea of figuring it out alone.

This makes sense. Consensual non-monogamy (CNM), and all its structures and expressions, can be deeply fulfilling, but it can also bring up confusion, shame, and stigma, with very few resources that help you navigate questions in an affirming, attachment-informed way. 

This workshop is designed to help you better understand what consensual non-monogamy is (and isn’t), how attachment shows up in these relationship structures, and what it might actually look like to explore or practice non-monogamy in a grounded, informed way.

Led by Gabe Gonzalez, LCSW, a relationship therapist who specializes in supporting consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships, as well as those in the LGBTQIA+, kink, and BDSM communities, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of the landscape of consensual non-monogamy, the relationship realities that can arise, and thoughtful next steps for your own journey.

A brief self-reflection exercise and a short Q&A will follow to support integration of the material and give space for your questions.

Whether you’re just beginning to consider non-monogamy, currently in a poly relationship, or trying to increase self-understanding, we would love to have you join us. 


Here’s what we’ll cover: 

⛰️ Understanding the Landscape of ENM, CNM, and Polyamory

  • What we mean by CNM (consensual non-monogamy), polyamory, and opening your relationship 

  • Common language, norms, and structures within non-monogamous communities

  • Myths, misconceptions, and cultural narratives that contribute to shame, confusion, or stigma

💞 Attachment Realities in Non-Monogamous Relationships

  • How different attachment styles can show up in CNM/poly dynamics

  • Why new or intensified feelings (jealousy, fear, insecurity, craving reassurance) often emerge when relationships open up

  • How to begin navigating these attachment challenges with more curiosity and compassion instead of self-blame

🥾 Normalizing Exploration and Finding Your Next Step

  • How to discern whether CNM/polyamory is aligned for you, your partner(s), and your values

  • Ways to explore this relationship structure without abandoning your emotional needs or pressuring yourself to “just be okay.”

  • Developing familiarity with the supports that exist outside your relationship, such as therapy, community, and education.


Meet the Facilitator: Gabriel Gonzalez, LCSW

Certified Poly & ENM Therapist, Relationship and Attachment Specialist

Gabriel Gonzalez is a bilingual (English/Spanish), queer-identified licensed clinical social worker with more than 17 years of experience. 

As a therapist rooted in trauma-informed, systemic approaches (including EFT, EMDR, and other evidence-based modalities), he brings deep clinical experience and cultural humility to his work. 

His commitment to working with the full range of relational experiences—including those that are often misunderstood, stigmatized, or dismissed—means you can expect a grounded, inclusive, and affirming space that welcomes diverse identities, relationship configurations, and emotional experiences. 


Who this workshop is for:

  • You’re considering an ENM/CNM/poly relationship.

  • You’ve already opened up your relationship and are running into unexpected feelings or challenges.

  • You’ve been in non-monogamous dynamics for a while, and patterns are surfacing that weren’t as visible before.

  • You want an informed, non-shaming, and attachment-informed approach to this topic.

This workshop is not for:

  • Individuals, couples, or partners currently in an active crisis or unsafe situation.

  • Anyone looking for “quick tips,” scripts, or strategies to convince a partner to open or close a relationship.

  • Those wanting to debate the validity of non-monogamy or shame people who are exploring it.


Permission to Explore Without Shame

Adults thinking of opening their relationship are often told they’re ‘too much,’ ‘greedy,’ or that it’s just ‘cheating with different rules.’ None of that reflects the reality of consensual non-monogamy.

Much of this comes from misinformation, stigma, and cultural discomfort with non-traditional relationship structures. As a result, even when your values and desires are aligned with CNM, you can feel isolated, unsupported, or unsure where to turn for compassionate guidance.

This workshop offers a different experience.

Instead of judgment or overgeneralization, you’ll receive education, perspective, and tools to help you understand the realities of consensual non-monogamy, so you can explore at your own pace with more clarity, confidence, and self-trust.


FAQ

I can’t make it live. Will there be a replay?

Yes. You’ll receive the replay after the workshop and have access for two weeks after the workshop. 

Is this therapy?

No. This is an educational workshop. Gabe will offer information, frameworks, and reflection prompts, but this does not constitute therapy, diagnosis, or individualized treatment. If you determine you’d benefit from therapy, you’ll receive guidance on how to seek out a therapist who is affirming of ENM/CNM/polyamory.

I’m worried about confidentiality. Who will know I’m attending?

Your privacy matters. Attendees will be asked to honor a confidentiality agreement and not share identifying details about others outside the workshop. You’re welcome to keep your camera off, use only a first name or pseudonym, and participate in whatever way feels safest. However, since this isn’t therapy, we cannot guarantee that your information will not be shared by other people. If you want a space that is fully confidential to explore this topic, we recommend that you reach out to our team to discuss individual or relationship therapy. 

I’m monogamous but curious about CNM/polyamory. Is this still for me?

As long as you’re approaching the topic with openness and respect, you’re welcome. This workshop is designed for people who are curious, considering, or currently engaging in non-monogamous relationships and want a more grounded, attachment-informed perspective.

How is this different from other workshops on CNM?

This webinar does not promise a set of rules for approaching CNM.  Instead, it centers attachment, normalization, and the realities you may face with this relationship structure. Rather than treating CNM as a trend, we’ll explore the possibilities with nuance, compassion, and an understanding that each relationship system is unique and worth celebrating. 

Will there be a Q&A?
Yes, as time allows. There will be space for a brief Q&A where participants can submit questions. Facilitators cannot provide personalized therapy in this setting, but can offer general guidance and further resources to explore.


About Heights Couples Therapy

This workshop is hosted by Heights Couples Therapy, a specialty group practice in Houston, Texas, supporting individuals, partners, and families navigating intense lives as they build and sustain relationships capable of weathering life’s storms.

We proudly maintain an anti-racist practice that is LGBTQ+-affirming, poly-friendly, and kink-knowledgeable. We believe everyone deserves loving, fulfilling relationships in any configuration or expression that honors their authentic selves.

Looking for support? Connect with our team here.

Avatar for Heights Couples Therapy
Helping individuals, partners, and families navigate intense lives and build relationships capable of weathering life’s storms.